The Way to be Salt and Light

(Mat.5:3)”Blessed are the poor in spirit…” No man comes to Christ for salvation and eternal life until he recognizes his own spiritually bankrupt condition.

“…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Those who come to Christ in all their weakness, sinfulness, guilt and corruption take possession of the kingdom of heaven by faith alone!

The Blessing of Suffering

(Mat. 5:4) “Blessed are those who mourn…” Job said that “man is born into trouble.” For those who are Christ’s, each pain and grief reveals more of His presence and power.

“…for they shall be comforted.” Endure patiently your sufferings, let them teach you of the “Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3).

The Blessing of Humility

(Mat. 5:5) “Blessed are the gentle…” This word in the original language means humility, meekness. The Greeks spoke of a well-trained war-horse as “Meek.” Meekness is not weakness!

“…for they shall inherit the earth.” The portion of your inheritance will be in proportion to your submission to the Spirit of God in this life.

The Blessing of Spiritual Desire

(Mat. 5:6) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” Craving for the “life of God” cannot be satisfied with the details of this life. The Word of God is their bread and drink daily.

“…for they shall be satisfied.” Who is there of this world’s children that has ever found contentment? Those truly hungry see only the food, not the condition of the plate, and the supply of the “Living Bread” is never exhausted.

The Blessing of Grace in Action

(Mat. 5:7) “Blessed are the merciful…” mercy is God’s grace in action. Christ was compelled by mercy to go to the cross in our behalf, Mercy both feels and seeks to remove the suffering of others. It says, “I am my brother’s keeper.“

“…for they shall receive mercy.” Put God’s grace into action toward others, and you will find God will multiply His mercy to you.

The Blessing of Single-Mindedness

(Mat. 5:8) “Blessed are the pure in heart…” This “purity” is the result of life having one purpose. Paul said, “This one thing I do” (Phi. 3:13)

“…for they shall see God” When we are no longer double minded (Jam. 1:8) the eyes of faith see “Him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:27) and “We see Jesus” (Heb. 2:9, Heb. 12:2).

The Blessing of Witnessing

(Mat. 5:9) “Blessed are the peacemakers…” In the Bible, “Peace” speaks of being reconciled to God. “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God.” (Rom. 5:1)

“…they shall be called sons of God.” Nothing so identifies us with the family of God as bringing others into it.

The Blessing of Persecution

(Mat. 5:10-12, 2Ti. 3:12) “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness…” What greater evidence that we “are not of this world” than the hatred it has for God’s children?

“…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Notice that the Beatitudes end as they began, with the present possession of the kingdom of heaven. “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Phi. 3:20).